A major goof by Forest River design engineers has put users of some fifth wheels at risk of “carbon monoxide poisoning or death,” by the company’s own account. If you have one of these rigs, you should STOP using the water heater until the Forest River carbon monoxide recall work is completed.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2025 East to West Ahara fifth wheel trailers. The water heater exhaust is ventilated directly under the slideroom, allowing carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle. Carbon monoxide inside the vehicle increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and death. There are 18 units affected by this recall.
Forest River carbon monoxide remedy
Owners are advised not to use the water heater until the remedy is performed. Dealers will replace the water heater, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 26, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-264-6664. Forest River’s number for this recall is 503-1887.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
Forest River carbon monoxide engineering problem background
The engineering blunder was discovered when a routine pre-delivery inspection at Forest River showed that the water heater exhaust is ventilated directly under the slideroom (within 36″) of the bottom of the it. Within three days, Forest River’s Corporate Committee voted to recall.
How would you know if there could be a problem? Aside from symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, the carbon monoxide alarm may sound.
For more Forest River recalls, click here.
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What engineer designed this? And how is FR going to redesign and correct it without major refabrication?
Forest River should buy back all affected units.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! My goodness, Forest River got this week’s recall out of the way early! This company could be memorialized in a children’s book, “The Little Engine that Couldn’t.” Seems tragic that they repeatedly must recall their products. Safe travels!
I guess’s there’s no code for RV’s. I know the building code in Pa. don’t allow you to put a furnace power exhaust under a window and must be x number of feet away on each side. But they can put a water heater exhaust under a slide. Most slides have windows. Plus if the seals deteriorate they can let the carbon monoxide enter the fifth wheel.
Is there a week that goes by WITHOUT Forest River issuing a recall?
I’ve never owned a FR product, but I’m convinced they may be built worse than Keystone products. Just my opinion…